Day 388: Barangay Fatima, GenSan

If there was no Barangay Fatima, there would be no Sangguniang Kabataan of Fatima. Let me introduce you our barangay.

Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Fatima, General Santos City. (L-R) Kagawad Kent Rudis,
Kagawad Lovely Manzo, Kagawad Sheryl Neres, Kagawad Jessa Boncales, Kagawad Joila Abao,
Kagawad Apple Villa, Kagawad Krayna Savares, Chairman Kevin Samejon.

Barangay Fatima, General Santos City

Barangay Fatima was a part of Barangay Tambler. Its current name, “Fatima”, was taken from the early settlers’ Patron Saint bearing the name. These settlers were relocated from the fish landing premises by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 887.

But it was not until 1990 that the place was recognized as it is through an SP Resolution No. 91, Series of 1990 with the land area of 184, 259 sq. km.

Popularly known as “Uhaw” (lit. “thirsty”) but today Fatima is Uhaw no more.

Fatima continues to serve an estimated population of 96,000 with the help of various institutions, which secures the barangay’s sustainability, development and progress.

Our barangay can cater the needs of its constituents from the womb to the tomb (that means we have a grave site too).

Barangay Fatima has 5 Birthing Houses, and a Lying-In. As the child grows he can start his education from the selection of 21 Day-Care Centers placed in strategic locations in the barangay, not to mention the churches that do the same. So he passed K-1 and -2, you can send him to one of the 5 competent Elementary Schools. After he graduated elementary, just next-door is his welcome, the Fatima National High School. For his tertiary education, in Fatima you can find one of the city’s leading universities, the Mindanao State University. Also, the barangay has 3 private schools, which offers K-1 education to those vocational courses. For sure, your weekdays will never be idle.

Mindanao State University. (Can you spot the guy?)

Your plan for an enjoyable and healthy weekend is also possible here. We have sporting amenities on purok public places, school playing courts, and a good outdoor area "inside" Barangay Hall Compound. On Sundays, you can find refreshment among the 31 churches of denominations and religions of your choice. You will never be out of place here.

We also hold a vibrant festival of colors and culture during July, our foundation anniversary and the Kal’ton Festival. The festival recognizes the importance of the first settlers of the area in building this illustrious community and reminds us to move ahead being rest assured that we are Uhaw no more.

Why would be Fatima still be called “Uhaw” if the barangay has 24 Rural Works and Water Systems anyway? Yeah?

Fatima is mainly a residential area that is why neighboring industries of the barangay benefit from the human resources here.

Your eyes will tell you where this photo is taken.

With the growing business sector, heightened security efforts, and accessible roads and highways, you will have a comfortable place to lay your head after a hustling day, or find peace on your businesses in the area.

Now, with the efforts of the current set of Barangay Officials and the employees we are moving forward: a future of a higher standard of living through efficient delivery of basic services for the people, maintenance of peace and order, and implementation of programs that promotes the common good.

Looking at the milestones of development in the area, Barangay Fatima poses to become an emerging “city” within the city of General Santos. Considerations like population and the growing business sector are looked on to. Moreover, Barangay Fatima is highly accessible that is why future progress is a budding reality.

With God, everything can be possible. If He wills, it can come true. This we know is true: “We are Barangay Fatima. We are "Uhaw" no more.”

Any more words?

Thanks to the Office of the Punong Barangay for the information! Also, you may visit this site.

"Uhaw, No More." was inspired from the title of an article on my elementary school publication issue. I cannot remember who the author was and I haven't read the content of the article.